The Kingsessing Library is officially open after a major renovation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Thursday afternoon and included City officials, Rebuild Philadelphia, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and community members.

The celebration marked the completion of the newly renovated library, an $8 million project made possible by the City’s Rebuild initiative, a historic investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in neighborhood parks, recreation centers, and libraries across Philadelphia.

The century-old Kingsessing Library has been updated with:

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The annual Penn Relays has kicked off at Franklin Field (200 South 33rd St) on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The event will be held through Saturday, April 26th and will affect traffic near the field and in the surrounding area. Motorists should expect heavy traffic volume and delays in the area all day every day through Saturday.

Also, there will be intermittent closures on 33rd Street from South Street to Walnut Street every day Thursday through Saturday. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes on these days.

The Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania. For additional information about the Penn Relays, including safety and security, please visit The Penn Relays website. The race schedule is available here.

UPDATE: Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, West Craft Fest has been postponed to Sunday, April 27.

Here are some details on the annual spring edition of the popular West Craft Fest, which will be held this Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland).

Over 100 local artists and makers are expected to participate in this year’s Fest and to showcase their unique handmade wares, including jewelry, ceramics, home wares, accessories, original art, prints, stationery, clothing, candles, soaps, stickers, and much more! The list of the vendors is available here.

The Fest is also a great opportunity to spend time outdoors at a beautiful historic setting, which is in full spring bloom right now, enjoying live music and aerial dance performances by Tangle Movement Arts (see photo below). If you get hungry, there are some great food truck choices this year (see more here). Just bring your picnic blanket or chair! Children are invited to take part in art & craft activities.

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The Human Rights Coalition of Philadelphia will hold a Town Hall in West Philly to discuss Community Solar projects this Saturday, April 26. The event is part of the organization’s campaign to raise Philadelphians’ climate consciousness and promote energy democracy.

Community Solar projects enable people to invest in clean solar energy and receive a credit for the resulting savings on their monthly electricity bills. Such projects are of particular value to renters, who today make up nearly half of all City residents. Projects can be organized by churches, civil organizations, or private companies, and they can be located in vacant lots, fields, or on warehouses roofs. While laws authorizing Community Solar have been enacted in 22 states and the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania is lagging behind this trend. However, a Community Solar bill (HB 1155, Schweyer) has been introduced in the PA State House.

The Town Hall will feature Elowyn Corby of the Our Solar Now Coalition as keynote speaker. State Rep. Rick Krajewski, a cosponsor of HB 1155, has been invited to join the discussion. The Town Hall will be held at 316 N. 42nd Street, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. Lunch will be provided.

– Elaine Fultz

Just in time for spring, the long-awaited grand opening of popular Black-owned plant shop Plant and People at its new location, 3952 Lancaster Ave., is tomorrow, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new location of the mother-daughter-owned shop carries the familiar selection of houseplants and supplies, but now also includes a café.

Co-owners Cherron Perry-Thomas and her daughter Amma described their decision to combine two things they love at the new location on their website.

“Why combine a plant shop with a café? To us, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. Both plants and café culture invite a similar energy: they encourage you to pause, to slow down, to connect – with nature, with others, or simply with yourself.”

Tomorrow’s grand opening will feature a repotting workshop, DJ set, food samples from the new café and wine tasting with Mitchell and Mitchell Wines.

Also, check out their annual Big A** Plant Sale (B.A.P.S.) next Sunday, April 27, now at the new location.

Check out some Spring and Easter egg hunts that will be held around the neighborhood this weekend. Do you know of more egg hunts? Please post them in our comments section below.

Saturday, April 19

Clark Park (43rd and Regent)

Renewal Church is holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt again at Clark Park on Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m. Come for free crafts, games, face painting, and an Egg Hunt! The egg hunt is for kindergarten-age children and younger. Registration is required. See the flyer for more details.

Walnut St. West Library (40th and Walnut)

The annual Spring Egg Hunt will return this year on Saturday, April 19 at the green space on Locust Walk and 40th St. There will be two sessions for different age groups: Ages 6 & under will begin at 2 p.m.; Ages 7 to 10 will begin at 3:15 p.m. Come enjoy a spring-themed story time followed by an egg hunt and book giveaway. Maybe there will even be an Easter Bunny Sighting! Hosted by the Friends of Walnut Street West Library and local college students from Circle K (Kiwanis Club), in association with the library. Note: All the activities will be indoors in the event of rain.

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